Leics board of directors to resign en masse

Leicestershire’s directors have averted the threat of a special general meeting next month by agreeing to resign en masse at the annual meeting in the New Year.

The entire board faced a no confidence vote at the SGM which had been called following a petition raised by disgruntled members who also wanted to hear from former chief executive David Smith an explanation for his resignation in June.

But a compromise between the board and the petitioners has led to the SGM being cancelled in return for all five directors agreeing to stand down at the annual meeting, which is likely to be held in mid-February.

The directors may decide to stand for re-election but alternative candidates for the board are expected to come forward.

“The petitioners feel that, in view of the board’s willingness to compromise, the cancellation of the SGM is in the best interests of the club and will allow the club to move forward,” said the petitioners in a statement.

“It will also give a confirmed mandate to a new chairman and board of directors at the next annual meeting.”

Nominations for places on the board must be submitted to Leicestershire’s club secretary no later than November 30.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire have appointed former county batsman Paul Haywood as their new chairman as successor to Neil Davidson, who stepped down last week. Haywood tendered his resignation last month but he was re-instated as a director last week.

Mike Siddall, who has been Leicestershire’s acting chief executive since Smith resigned, has been appointed to the post on a permanent basis.